TUCSON FOR CHINA -- Beijing Hyundai, the joint venture between China’s Beijing Automotive Group and Hyundai Motor Company, Sunday released the All New Tucson SUV. It is installed with a 1.6 turbo GDI engine and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission, and can be synched with the driver’s smartphone through CarLife, a media platform by Baidu. Also tailored for the Chinese market where road and air conditions are relatively bad, an air purifier is installed and the car has been lifted 1 centimeter over its Korean sister model.


PREORDER FOR SPORTAGE -- Kia Motors started receiving preorders for the SUV Sportage, the full-change model of the signature SUV that will start sales from Sept. 15. The 2.0 diesel model is equipped with the newly developed R2.0E-VGT, which flaunts a maximum of 186 horsepower and maximum torque of 41.0 kilograms per meter, with the highest fuel efficiency marking 14.4 kilometers per liter.


NEW CHEVROLET ORLANDO -- GM Korea started receiving preorders for the New Chevrolet Orlando with a new diesel engine that meets the Euro 6 emission regulations. The new high-end dynamic model has brown leather seats, 18-inch silver alloy wheels, a button-type smart key and cruise control function. The price starts from 22.7 million won ($18,900).

BMW 520D M AERODYNAMIC -- BMW Korea introduced the 520d M Aerodynamic, which has the additional M aerodynamic bumper, LED headlights, high-beam assistance, surround view and 18-inch wheels on its best-selling 520d model. The price of the 520d xDrive M aerodynamic starts from 67.3 million won ($56,000).

MERCEDES IN SONGDO -- Mercedes-Benz Korea opened its 33rd showroom at Songdo in Incheon on Thursday. At the 1,225-square-meter two-story building, people will be able to enjoy premium services from browsing to sales consulting, the company said.

MASERATI IN SEOCHO -- Italian luxury car Maserati opened a showroom in Seocho, southern Seoul, Tuesday. Located near Nambu ring road, the showroom will also work as a service center, with a configurator room and a customer lounge.